The pet’s humans cannot always be around to take them indoors when it rains, snows, or gets to 110 degrees outside, so they need their own house.
If one is looking for a unique spot for their companion, and has an interest in building their own, there are many sources for free dog house plans to choose from.
Before You Start
Before you pick a plan and get started on it, there are a few things that you need to consider.
If the dog is large, the dog house should be big enough for you to get into to clean it. If it is for a smaller dog then you need to decide if you want to tip it to clean it, or do you want to hinge the roof or a side so you can open it up?
If you have extreme temperatures will the dog house be outdoors all the time, or will you move it into a garage or barn at times? If you will need to move it, consider adding wheels if the plan does not allow for them, or make one that is collapsible to make moving easier.
Commit to getting the best grade of materials you can for the project. This is especially important for the roof, as one that leaks does not do much good in the winter.
Picking Your Plan
The old saying that you get what you pay for is still true today. Many free dog house plans may be missing something minor in the instructions that will make the whole thing not worth the time.
Read carefully, and if you get confused, or have not done any woodworking projects before, have someone who has look over the plan you are considering. Just because you chose the plan, it does not mean you are committed to it.
At most, the only cost you have into it is the ink and paper to print it out if you find it online. Some of the plans require that you buy a certain type of hinge, door, or other item that is only made by, or sold at, one place or company. This is their way of making a bit of profit from that “free plan” you picked out.
While there are many good on-line sites with plans for various styles of dog houses, you can build a two story Victorian if you like, do not get house crazy.
If you have no experience, then planning on building a fancy house will usually mean that after about 4 hours you are frustrated and ready to give up after having just spent about 100.00 on materials, and possibly tools. When it comes to the tools, read your plans to see what you will need.
If you do not have everything, you can rent, or possibly borrow, them instead of putting more money out for them.
http://www.mybackyardplans.com/gable_dog_house_plans.php is a good place to start as it not only has a good plan, but it has tips and links to other sites for more tips and information. (This is not an endorsement of that site, nor is it a paid advertisement.)